As uncomfortable as it is for some activist groups to admit, the U.S. border with Mexico is not secure. Daily our agents risk their lives to keep violent people, dangerous drugs, and potential terrorists from entering our nation and causing harm to our citizens.

But instead of engaging in a meaningful debate, some immigration activists choose to attack Border Patrol agents for speaking the truth. Rather than discussing the challenges of border security and immigration reform, the Center for New Community decided to attack our organization.

Over the past year the Texas Department of Public Safety has conducted a surge along the Texas-Mexico border, entitled Operation Strong Safety. This was in response to an influx of unaccompanied minors and rampant smuggling activity in the Rio Grande Valley and elsewhere.

The United States Border Patrol is and has been an integral part of these operations, which have been very successful, belying the Obama administration's claim that the border is more secure than it's ever been. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske recently told United States Congressional officials that the Border Patrol, “declined participation in the operation.” He even went as far to say that the Texas Department of Public Safety falsely claimed Border Patrol stats as their own. This is not true. CBP is aware of and has condoned Border Patrol's participation in these operations. Texas DPS has not manipulated numbers and they have not claimed the Border Patrol's stats as their own. The operations have been conducted jointly and have proven to be very effective.

A Border Patrol helicopter was fired upon Friday while flying in a known high drug traffic area near the Rio Grande River in Laredo, Texas. Several shots, which came from the Mexican side of the border, struck the helicopter at about 5 p.m. local time. The rounds penetrated the aircraft, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing.

“Thankfully no agents were hurt in this incident,” said Brandon Judd, NBPC president. “This is another reminder of the dangers of being an agent. As we work to secure the border, drug cartels and human smugglers are becoming more aggressive in their attempts to test our resolve and capacity.

“We thank our communities and our families for their support,” he added. “We ask that everyone keep our agents in their thoughts and prayers as we continue to prevent drugs, crime and individuals intending to do harm to our citizens from crossing our border.”

Javier Vega Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice upholding his oath to serve and protect.

(Washington, DC) May 13, 2015

As our nation’s law enforcement officers gather this week in Washington, D.C., to honor their 127 brothers and sisters who fell in the line of duty in 2014, there will be one name missing from the stone walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. That name is Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega Jr.